**Ukrainian Commander Charged with Abuse of Authority**
A commander in Ukraine’s 211th Pontoon Bridge Brigade has been charged with abuse of authority. Vladyslav Pastukh is accused of beating and humiliating subordinates while serving on the front line.
According to officials, Pastukh allegedly beat at least three soldiers between February and May 2024. In one instance, he kicked a soldier in the face after finding him intoxicated. He also ordered subordinates to tie another soldier to a wooden cross for four hours.
Pastukh has been charged with “abuse of authority by a military official” under Ukraine’s Criminal Code. If convicted, he could face up to 12 years in prison.
This is not the first time Pastukh has been involved in controversy. In a previous investigation, officers from his brigade were accused of beating service members and extorting money from them.
**Russian Missile Hits Kazakhstan**
A Russian surface-to-air missile caused the crash of an Azerbaijan Airlines flight near Aktau, Kazakhstan on December 26. The incident is under investigation.
**Russia Willing to Improve Relations with US**
Russia’s Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov said that his country is willing to improve relations with the incoming administration of US President-elect Donald Trump. However, Russia wants the US to make the first move in restarting dialogue.
**Russian Troops Suffer Heavy Losses**
North Korean troops deployed in Russia’s Kursk Oblast continue to suffer significant losses, according to Ukraine’s military intelligence.
**Western Brands Still Accessible in Russia**
Despite sanctions imposed after the full-scale invasion of Ukraine, Russian shoppers continue to access luxury Western brands. Inflation in Russia has also reached its highest levels in nearly a year, driven by war spending and rising food prices.
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